Toronto officer seriously injured, three boys arrested after stolen car chase

A police officer in Toronto sustained serious injuries after being struck by a stolen vehicle during a chase that led to an officer discharging their firearm. The incident unfolded shortly after midnight on June 15, when officers attempted to stop a stolen car on the Leaside Bridge.

According to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the 12-year-old driver of the vehicle allegedly hit an officer. In response, another officer fired their gun multiple times at the driver. The vehicle continued for a short distance before the driver and two other occupants, aged 12 and 14, fled the scene on foot.

The injured officer was transported to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released. The 12-year-old driver, who was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, has been charged with attempted murder, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime, dangerous operation of a conveyance, failing to stop for police, assaulting a peace officer, and leaving the scene of an accident. The other two boys face charges related to theft and dangerous operation of a vehicle.

Due to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identities of the three minors cannot be disclosed. They are scheduled to appear in court on July 15. The SIU is investigating the incident because a firearm was discharged. The Toronto Police Association president noted the officer was fortunate to survive, stating he was struck by the car and needed to use his firearm for self-protection.

“

We’re lucky we don’t have another killed police officer. He was struck by a car. It came to a point that he needed to use his firearm to protect himself.